I used to smoke. I know...I can't really believe it either.
And I didn't' just take a puff here and there.
I was a card-carrying-Virginia Slims-toting-cigarette-loving broad who sometimes even spoke in a raspy bourbon voice because she smoked so much.
(A voice that sounded like it belonged more to someone named "Blanche" or "Mabel.")
When I was a little girl, cigarette smokers were everywhere in my life. These were energetic story-telling people who waved around their smoky white wands for emphasis when they became excited about something. Smokers were a little edgy, dramatic, and somewhat mysterious. My actor godfather- my handsome dad- my fun Aunt Peg...all smokers.
I knew I was going to be a smoker when I was older.
I practiced with pencils and pens, blowing out air while looking in the mirror at the sophisticated handling of my pretend "cigarette."
Cooler than cool.
College freedom saw me buying pack after pack and creating a habit that would last nearly 20 years.
10 years ago this year I had my last cigarette.
Due to the laws about smoking in public and at work, my habit had become more of a closet one and whittled down to about 5 cigarettes a day.
On a beautiful day in 1999 I strolled into the town where I live and saw a group of cyclists outside drinking coffee and laughing- enjoying a healthy lifestyle.
The cyclists made me want to stop for good.
Can't really explain why those cyclists on that particular day struck me, but they did.
I picked a day and I quit a few weeks later.
I haven't touched a cigarette since.
Talk about gratitude.
I am so grateful to have beaten the smoking habit before it beat me.
Got gratitude?
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15 comments:
You are my Hero!!!! If only the patients we see in our office could do what you have done. A dear lady had quit a few years ago only to find out it was too late. She has severe COPD. My dad died from emphysema, gasping for every breath he took!!! God bless you! Cathy
Wow, good for you!! That is a great story.
Wow! Amazing strength and willpower! I too, was a smoker (more of the closet variety) but it got more than the best of me. Having babies for me helped me kick it once and for all. I don't even have the 'social' desire like I used to. It's such a hard habit to give up - and I think if people have never smoked - or at least witnessed what it can do to one's health - they just don't get how hard it is to quit.
Learned something else new about the fabulous Laura today! :) I'm proud of you!
Totally off subject - but one of mine and hubs favorite lines is from the classic movie "Sixteen Candles" - when the grandparents come for the sister's wedding and the Grandma has this huge cigarette ash hanging off her ciggy and she opens the donuts and says "Breakfast is served!" - Leo and I still say that (of course minus the ciggy) and it still makes us laugh - cause you know we all knew a smoker like that Grandma!
When I was a kid I remember everyone being a smoker too. Much of my family is from a rural part of VA where tobacco is just a part of life...even at church folks would step outside to have a smoke...it was just a way of life. I am thankful that it is on the decline. What a nasty habit. You are so strong for having kicked it. My husband was a smoker for almost 20 years as well. He has since quit...some time ago, but he says that every once in a while the urge is still there. It's powerful stuff.
I am so grateful for being able to stop drinking soda. I had my last soda April 12 last year. I had a similar "eye opening" experience. It was just an everyday thing, but it made me stop and think about diabetes, heart disease, and all of that junk. I put down the glass and haven't picked it up since.
Life is good with a glass of water, and I am very grateful!
Good for you!! I wish both of my grandfathers had lived in a time when it was encouraged like it is now. They both died of smoking related illnesses. Such a pity to see the young people who still choose to smoke today...
Laura I LOVE your honesty in describing the attractive allure of the "look" of smoking...any object that allows hand-based gestures always appeals to me...thankfully, a pen or pencil will do!
So grateful you kicked it before it kicked you! :)
Inspiration comes in so many forms..."mysterious ways" perhaps? :)
Congratulations to you!
Congratulations. Isn't it interesting how those unintentional role models work? First some got you started, and then some got you to stop. It's a lesson for all of us.
And yes, "acrostic." I remembered in the middle of the night.
Well, that certainly is something to be grateful for.
happy 10 years anniversary!!
My dad has been smoking for almost 50 years. He quitted in 2004 for 3 years or so, then he smoked again, but much much less and it's already such an achievement!!
congratulations!!
Btw, about your christmas wishes posts, I'm still smiling about it! I actually have red socks with fluffy reindeers hanging on there, I wore them on Christmas morning :)
Good for you!! I used to as well (until I found out I was pregnant 15 + years ago and that was that:)
Good for you. My smoking was a high school fascination. But on my 80th birthday, I'm starting up again. I loved it.
Well, Miss Virginia Slims...who would have thought?
And cyclists as guardian angels...just perfect.
So glad your lungs are pink and healthy again :)
I completely understand the fascination with smoking/smokers, even though (amazingly enough) I never turned out to be a smoker.
All the women in my family smoked, and I remember (WAY back in the day)going into the gas station and getting the cigarettes for my mom, no ID necessary.
She would open the package and I would love to sniff the cigarettes. In fact, I still love that tobacco smell. But I'm glad you quit.
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